Hardware / Equipment

Video Cameras

• Zoom Q8 Handy  Video Recorder (NEWEST MODEL)
• Older Models:
  • Zoom Q2HD (OLD MODEL)- HD video with very  quality microphones for high fidelity audio (~$199).  Allow USB streaming and direct connection to computer for recording to your computer’s hard drive.  Also doubles as a stand-along USB microphone.  Very versatile and a great value.
  • Apple iPod Touch – an iOS device that does much more than just play MP3 or take photos.

Microphones

• USB Microphones are extremely handy and easy to use with a computer.  They are essentially plug and play.
• Rode NT USB Mini – compact, great sounding microphone ($99)
• Blue Snowball – larger mic, great quality, affordable price.
• Samson Go Mic – Tiny, affordable, USB mic – great sound for your recordings or Skype session ($40 street)
• iMic – USB Audio adapter (for 1/8″ plug microphones)

Bluetooth Devices

• Bluetooth Receiver – a device that connects to speakers or a stereo that allows Bluetooth streaming of audio from a phone, tablet, or computer.  About a 30 ft. range.

USB MIDI Keyboard Controllers

• Korg Microkey – super small MIDI controller with mini-keys.  The 25 key model fits in a backpack!  There are also 37 key and 61 key versions.
• Akai LPK25 – high-quality 25 key MIDI controller. Fits in a backpack!
• M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 – a slightly larger keyboard with 32 mini keys
• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3 – 61 key version with full size keys

Portable Audio Recorders

Choosing a portable audio recorder.

• Zoom H6 – $400. Detailed information
• Tascam DR-40X – $200
• See my presentation on “Audio recording for music educators” for more details

Studio Monitors (Speakers)

The most simple way to listen back to your recordings is through the use of good closed cup stereo headphones. I recommend the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Closed-Back Studio and Live Monitoring Headphones ($99).

The best way is to have studio monitors, which are speakers. The difference between studio monitors and regular stereo speakers is that the monitors are meant to remain “flat,” that means they don’t color the sound by boosting low frequencies or raising higher frequencies. They attempt to show you EXACTLY how your recordings sound, and therefore are ideal for listening and playback of audio.

Monitors come unpowered or powered, where the amplifiers are built in. For simplicity of not having a separate power amplifier, I prefer powered monitors. Because the amp is built in, you know the speakers are getting the correct amount (watts) of power.

There are many sizes, styles, and prices to choose from. I will mention a few popular brands. Get what your budget will allow.

Entry level

• PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5 inch Powered Studio Monitors (Pair – $99)
• Mackie CR-X Series, 3-Inch Multimedia Monitors (Pair – $99)

Mid-Level

• JBL 305P MkII 5-inch Powered Studio Monitor (Pair – $238)
• KRK ROKIT 5 G4 5 inch Powered Studio Monitor (Pair -$299)

High Level

• JBL 308P MkII 8-inch Powered Studio Monitors (Pair – $499) – Laux’s choice!
• ADAM Audio T7V 7 inch Powered Studio Monitor (Each – $249)

There are even more expensive monitors should you require those! The sky is the limit!